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Understanding mental health
Mental health affects how we think, feel, behave, cope with stress, build relationships, make decisions and manage daily life. Everyone has mental health, just as everyone has physical health.
Mental health can change throughout life. Many people experience periods of stress, anxiety, low mood, burnout, grief, loneliness, trauma or emotional difficulty. Experiencing mental health challenges does not mean someone is weak, failing or unable to recover.
With the right support, information, treatment and understanding, many people recover, manage symptoms effectively and live healthy, fulfilling lives.
Signs someone may be struggling
Mental health difficulties are not always obvious. Some people openly discuss their struggles, while others hide how they are feeling.
Emotional signs
- Persistent sadness
- Anxiety or excessive worry
- Irritability or mood swings
- Feeling overwhelmed
- Emotional numbness
- Hopelessness
- Increased anger or tearfulness
Physical signs
- Fatigue
- Sleep problems
- Appetite or weight changes
- Headaches
- Stomach problems
- Chronic tension
- Frequent illness
Behavioural signs
- Withdrawing from others
- Avoiding activities
- Reduced motivation
- Increased alcohol or drug use
- Missing work, school or appointments
- Neglecting self-care
- Risk-taking behaviour
Cognitive signs
- Poor concentration
- Forgetfulness
- Racing thoughts
- Negative thinking
- Difficulty making decisions
- Feeling disconnected
Early warning signs
Recognising difficulties early can help prevent problems becoming more severe.
- Feeling stressed most days
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Increased anxiety or worrying
- Reduced enjoyment of activities
- Feeling isolated
- Increased irritability
- Avoiding responsibilities
- Constant exhaustion
- Difficulty coping with normal tasks
- Changes in eating habits
- Loss of confidence
When to seek help
Many people delay seeking support because they believe they should cope alone. Consider seeking support when:
- Symptoms persist for several weeks
- Daily life is becoming difficult
- Work or education is affected
- Relationships are suffering
- Anxiety feels overwhelming
- Low mood continues
- You are struggling to cope
- Self-harm is occurring
- Alcohol or substances are becoming a coping mechanism
- You feel hopeless or unsafe
You do not need to wait until a crisis develops before asking for help.
Back to top ↑How therapy works
Therapy provides a safe, confidential space to discuss thoughts, feelings, behaviours and experiences with a trained professional. Therapy is not simply about being told what to do.
Therapy may help people to:
- Understand problems and behaviour patterns
- Explore emotions and difficult experiences
- Identify triggers
- Learn coping strategies and practical skills
- Set goals
- Build resilience
- Improve relationships and wellbeing
- Manage symptoms
Many people feel nervous before their first appointment. This is completely normal. Different therapies suit different people.
Back to top ↑Types of counselling and therapy
Counselling
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
CBT helps people understand the links between thoughts, feelings and behaviours.
It may be used for anxiety, depression, OCD, panic attacks and PTSD.
Read NHS information about CBTTalking therapies
Read NHS talking therapies information
Person-centred therapy
Psychodynamic therapy
Trauma-informed therapy
Family therapy
Couples therapy
Group therapy
Mental health conditions and topics
These links provide starting points for learning more. They are not a substitute for professional assessment or diagnosis.
Common conditions
- Anxiety disorders
- Depression
- Panic disorder
- PTSD
- OCD
- Bipolar disorder
- Personality disorders
- Eating disorders
Further conditions
- Psychosis
- Schizophrenia
- Self-harm
- Addiction
- ADHD
- Autism
- Burnout
- Social anxiety
Related difficulties
- Health anxiety
- Phobias
- Sleep problems
- Bereavement
- Trauma
- Intrusive thoughts
- Paranoia
- Loneliness and isolation
Additional mental health topics
Emotional wellbeing
Life challenges
Education and young people
Workplace mental health
Physical health and mental health
Neurodiversity and mental health
Community and identity
UK mental health support services
NHS support
Crisis support
- Samaritans — call 116 123
- Shout — text SHOUT to 85258
- PAPYRUS HOPELINE247 — 0800 068 4141
- Childline — 0800 1111
Mental health charities
- Mind — 0300 123 3393
- Rethink Mental Illness
- Mental Health Foundation
Advice and advocacy
Right First Time UK support guides
Families and young people
Support is available and recovery is possible
Mental health difficulties can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, background, income, culture, sexuality, disability, religion, education or life circumstances. Experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, burnout, grief, trauma, loneliness or emotional difficulty does not mean someone is weak or failing.
Recognising warning signs, understanding available support, learning about treatment options and seeking help can make a meaningful difference. The NHS, local authorities, schools, colleges, universities, employers, charities, advocacy organisations, families, carers and communities all have a role in supporting mental wellbeing.
No one should feel they have to struggle alone.